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2011 Relay For Life Raises $126,000 for Cancer Fight

May 1, 2011

May 1, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — In the sixteen years DePauw University and Putnam County have combined to raise money for the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life, the events have raised a total of nearly $2 million to fight the deadly disease. The 2011 edition of Putnam County Relay For Life, which started Saturday at noon at DePauw's Blackstock Stadium and continued through Sunday morning, has brought in about $126,000 in contributions so far, and more donations are expected to come in. (top photo: courtesy Banner-Graphic)

A collaborative effort by the college and the community to benefit the American Cancer Society, the event began under sunny, blue skies, but stormy weather hit at about 3 a.m. Sunday, forcing the walkers inside. The soggy conditions forced organizers to cancel the closing ceremonies.

More than 1,000 participants had pre-registered for the event, representing 92 teams. When the 2010 event kicked off, $44,0000 had been collected. "We have been even more impressed by the generosity in the community this year," Tyler Archer, a DePauw senior and event co-chair said today as Relay began, noting that contributions were at $92,000 before the first walker took to the track.

"Today is an important day where we recognize courage, we celebrate lives, and most importantly we try and raise more money to get rid of a disease that has affected too many for far too long," Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray told the crowd in her welcoming remarks.

DePauw President Brian W. Casey stated, "It's such an honor for DePauw to host this. I believe firmly that an education is only as good as how it influences the world. This is a moment when this really happens on this campus."

First hosted by DePauw in 1996, Putnam County Relay For Life has won several awards for being among the best of its kind among American colleges and universities. The first fundraiser raised nearly $15,000. The total grew to approximately $20,000 by 1998, $30,000 by 1999, and $42,000 in 2000. Then, 2001 brought in $80,000; followed by $127,000 in 2002; more than $162,000 in 2003; 2004's $208,735; and a 2005 total of more than $230,000. The 2006 and 2007 Relays each raised approximately $220,000 for the cancer fight. The recession kept donations to about $160,000 in both 2008 and 2009 and close to that same amount last year.